West Kent RC 25

Maria Sparks (Ashford Wheelers) finished almost two minutes clear of her nearest opponent to clinch the women’s victory in the West Kent RC 25, while Andrew Meilak won the men’s event after a break from competition himself.

Sparks, aged 36, took her fourth open victory of the season after stopping the clock in a time of 1-04-32.

Meilak was equally as impressive in the open event winning by over a minute in 53-32, while quickest road bike competitor Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) was third overall.

The Q25/8 saw competitors start with a downhill section away from Molash and down onto the A28 towards the first turn near Howfield Farm near Canterbury.

Riders then continued straight down the A28 to the second turn at Ashford before the return leg and turning off for the finish.

Sparks finished runner-up in the VTTA (Kent Group) 10 and VTTA (Kent Group Champs) 50 on her last outings in July.

She was not to be denied this time out finishing almost two minutes faster than veteran Claire Lowe (4T+ Cyclopark) in second (1-06-29), while Carol Tsang (Southborough & Dist Wh) finished third (1-20-13).

“To be back racing after a crash on the Q50/11 on July 7 felt great and to take fastest female was the icing on the cake,” said Sparks.

“It was another very friendly and well organised event and a great course, minus the pot holes.”

Meanwhile veteran rider Meilak, from Frittenden in Kent, returned to action after taking a month out for training.

After finishing overall runner-up twice this season the 58-year-old took her first open win of the season on this occasion.

John Rogers (Southborough & Dist Whs) was second in 54-39, while road bike competitor Burrows impressed by finishing third overall in 54-53.

“It went reasonably well for the first one back on my time trial bike,” said Meilak. “I’ve been in Italy racing some Grand Fondos and training in the Dolomites.

“I had to re-acquaint myself with the time trial position and effort which was different to what I’ve been doing.

“I felt rusty time trial wise and a bit fatigued, but it all went to plan and was a good start to the last part of the season.

“Last year I did the same and got a few personal bests. Hopefully in the next week or two I will benefit from the training.

“It was quite a tough course today and there was high pressure so it wasn’t particularly fast.”

Quickest youth rider Douglas Tulett (Thanet RC) finished in the top 10 positions overall after stopping the clock in 59-21

Burrows was a clear winner in the road bike category and took his second open victory of the season by almost seven minutes.

Fellow veteran Andrew Besanko (Southborough & Dist Wh) placed second in 1-01-45 and Mark Amon (Rye & District Wheelers CC) was third (1-03-14).

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

 

Results:

Open:

1. Andrew Meilak (VeloRefined Rule 5)        53.32
2. John Rogers (Southborough & Dist Wh)    54.39
3. Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) 54.53
4. Mathew Lister (Thanet RC)           55.13
5. Mark Hill (VeloRefined Rule 5)     56.12
6. Huseyin Vardal (Gemini BC)         56.20
7. Alex Milne (Ashford Tri Club)       57.31
8. Ian Reid (4T+ Cyclopark)   58.26
9. Jamie Platts (Thanet RC)    58.58
10. Douglas Tulett (Thanet RC)         59.21

Youth: Douglas Tulett (Thanet RC)   59.21

Women:
1. Maria Sparks (Ashford Whs)          1:04.32
2. Claire Lowe (4T+ Cyclopark)        1:06.29
3. Carol Tsang (Southborough & Dist Wh)    1:20.13

Road bikes:
1. Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) 54.53
2. Andrew Besanko (Southborough & Dist Wh)        1:01.45
3. Mark Amon (Rye & District Wheelers CC)           1:03.14
4. Matthew Hogg (Rue Morgue CC)  1:03.59
5. Simon Howden (Southborough & Dist Wh)          1:05.54
Woman: Carol Tsang (Southborough & Dist Wh)     1:20.13